- A Blessed Day of Missioning
On this Feast of All the Jesuit Saints and Blessed, we gather in joy and prayer to mission you, Fr Atong, as the 13th institutional head, and the 5th President of Ateneo de Iloilo–Santa Maria Catholic School (AdI-SMCS).
This day is God’s gentle assurance to you: You are not alone in this mission. You are surrounded by the loving prayers of our Jesuit Saints and Blessed, by your brother Jesuits, by the Ateneo de Iloilo community, and by the wider Iloilo family who walk with you. Hindi ka nag-iisa. You are embraced by the great Jesuit communion of saints and friends who continue to inspire, intercede for, and accompany us in our mission of faith and education.
Even the very weather the past few days reminds us of this truth. Typhoon Tino may have shaken the skies and made it difficult for some of our friends and guests to fly to Iloilo to join this celebration. Yet here we are, gathered in faith, standing firm in hope. The storm may rage outside, but inside this auditorium, God’s mission continues. For those who serve the Lord, even storms and tempests cannot silence the call to love, to lead, and to serve. “In every storm, there is a call to mission.”
- Remembering Our Founders and Pioneers
Let us look back with gratitude. In 1958, our founding father Fr Andrew Joliet SJ began this school with fifty pesos, and an unshakable faith—a faith that sought to evangelize through education, forming young men and women for others in the Iloilo Chinese-Filipino community.
With Frs Santiago Leon, John Chi, Ning Puentevella and the other school directors and our lay friends and companions, they worked, prayed, and trusted that God’s grace would provide. When the time came to transition from SMCS to AdI-SMCS, it was not an easy journey. There were many opinions, much prayerful discernment, and not a few storms to weather. Yet I remember so clearly what Fr Ben Nebres, then President of Ateneo de Manila University and now Chair of our Board of Trustees, said with conviction: “Let us give Santa Maria Catholic School a better future. The school should not remain in the old campus.”
And so, on 30 April 2004 in Iloilo City Hall, a memorandum of agreement was signed between Kapatiran Pison Development Corporation (KAPIDECO) and the Society of Jesus, witnessed by our distinguished Ateneo de Manila alumnus Mayor Jerry Treñas, Jesuit-trained Abp Angel Lagdameo, and some of you here. Our resources then were meager—but our faith was abundant. That faith has brought us to this day.
Many of the prime movers who built this dream are already in the company of our Creator, yet they remain with us in spirit—smiling, praying, and blessing us from heaven. We lovingly remember our former Jesuit Provincial Fr Archie Intengan, Trustee Mr Francis Treñas, Fr Salty de la Rama, Mr Victor Pison, Abp Angel Lagdameo, and many other generous benefactors.
Many have journeyed with us from the beginning: Fr Ting Samson, Rico and Nanette Jacomille, Atty Jun de la Cruz, Atty Jobert Peňaflorida, and Treasurer Mark Yap. Apologies if I cannot mention each one.
Of course, we gratefully acknowledge Fr Joseph Haw, whose competence and caring leadership propelled Ateneo de Iloilo forward, and Fr Weyms Sanchez, who courageously guided the school through and beyond the pandemic. To all of them—and to all of you—students, parents, faculty, alumni, benefactors, and parishioners—we owe a deep debt of gratitude.
I recall one touching story: A young grade school boy once came to my office in the old campus and handed me a small packet wrapped in bond paper containing five pieces of five-peso coins. “Father,” he said shyly, “this is for the new Ateneo campus.” That simple offering, though small in value, was great in faith. It was the kind of faith that built this school—a faith stronger than typhoons, braver than doubt.
- Learning from the Past: Taking the Fire, Not the Ashes
We recall our past not to dwell there, but to take from it its fire, not its ashes. Fr Atong, our history reminds us that God has always been faithful, even through trials and transitions. Our founding Jesuits knew exile, loss, rejection and expulsion in China—but Providence led them here, to this City of Love, to begin anew.
The God who began this good work here will remain faithful to you. And so we say with courage: Fr Atong, do not be afraid. The storms may come, but your anchor is Christ. The winds may howl, but your compass is the Spirit. Our Lady, Queen of China, and St Ignatius will never abandon you.
- The Gospel: The Grain of Wheat (John 12:23–26)
Our Gospel today tells us, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
This is the rhythm of authentic leadership—fruitfulness born of sacrifice. As President, you will face moments when you must die to self: to set aside comfort, preference, and even recognition for the greater good. But in those moments, let the Spirit remind you: God’s grace is enough. The more we let go of ourselves, the more room there is for Christ to live and lead through us.
- Be a Compassionate, Listening Leader
Be a compassionate and listening leader, faithful to our Jesuit ideal of cura personalis—care for the whole person and the whole community. There will be many voices—students, parents, teachers, alumni. Listen to them with patience and humility. Lead with a heart that listens more than it speaks.
And never forget the poor. Our mission has always been for the simple and the small, for those who cannot afford our fees but still dare to dream. I remember a mother who longed for her daughter to study here but could not afford the tuition. She was in the lechon business, and so she offered lechon during faculty celebrations as her humble way of paying the tuition fees. That lechon was not mere food; it was an offering of love and sacrifice.
Many of our scholars are now doctors, professionals, and leaders—because the school gave them an opportunity and believed in them. As Pope Francis reminds us: “The true measure of a society is found in how it treats the poor and the vulnerable.” Let that measure also be the heartbeat of your leadership.
- Remain Prayerful – God Is Your Constant Companion
Finally, remain prayerful. Amid all the responsibilities, let prayer be your anchor. St Ignatius of Loyola reminds us: “He who labors with God’s grace does not tire easily; for in prayer, we find the strength to do what God wills.” Let every decision begin and end in prayer. Let every morning begin in gratitude. Let every challenge be met with trust.
And even when you feel alone, remember—you are never truly alone. The God who called you will never abandon you.
Preached on 5 Nov in the Auditorium of Ateneo de Iloilo–Santa Maria Catholic School, Iloilo City on the occasion of Mass for the Installation of Fr Arnel T Ong SJ as AdI-SMCS President